Study information and physical sciences

The School of Information and Physical Sciences provides a modern, relevant, and comprehensive learning experience, with graduates earning sought-after qualifications that lead to exciting career opportunities, some of which are currently in a period of tremendous growth. Our School offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programs:

Bachelor of Computer Science: Computer science spans a wide range of areas including complex problem solving, artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning, embedded systems, computer networks and distributed systems, computer graphics, web applications, bioinformatics and data security. Computer scientists perform challenging programming tasks and supervise other programmers, and devise new ways to use computers and develop effective solutions for computing problems.

Bachelor of Information Technology: Information Technology (IT) delivers the skills needed to succeed in an interconnected society. IT is concerned with the application of technology to solve problems faced by business and wider society. From delivering services and products, collecting and analysing information, to building healthy and connected societies through mobile and web applications, IT is the language of the now and future.

Bachelor of Software Engineering: Software engineers focus on analysing a client’s needs. You will learn to design the best software architecture solutions, as well as to coordinate the implementation, integration, testing and maintenance. Another role for Software Engineers is the coordination of large scale software development, i.e. when dozens or hundreds of developers must collaborate to bring a solution to a client. Software engineering is behind much of the everyday technology we take for granted - from our ipads, computer software and mobile phones through to digital televisions, computer games and online banking.

Bachelor of Data Science: Many of today’s problems rely on understanding and analysing data to solve them. From community health and tracking activity in social networks, to understanding our environment and climate change, data scientists are increasingly in demand. Data scientists create and use a variety of tools and frameworks to examine patterns in data, and draw knowledge from it. These findings are then communicated to inform decision making and business strategies across a broad range of industries.

Bachelor of Mathematics: Graduates in Mathematics are highly sought after in government, industry and business because they are able to analyse data, produce models and predict future trends in a variety of areas. The Bachelor of Mathematics is a flexible program that enables you to develop mathematical skills and combine them with other disciplines, giving you skills in areas like Statistics, Computing, Data Science and Climate Science, among others.

Bachelor of Science (Physics): Students will complete courses in classical and modern physics including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, nuclear physics, atomic physics and special relativity. The Physics major features a keen emphasis on designing experiments in order to learn more about the relationship between these key scientific components. With this major, you’ll contribute to scientific development in many areas of technology and industry. Your studies could lead to vast career opportunities such as a nanotechnologist, astrophysicist, space scientist and defence scientist.

For more information about potential careers after you complete your degree, please read the 2020 LinkedIn's Emerging Jobs Report. It focuses on the Australian job market (2020 Australia Jobs Report).

Fastest growing jobs

Future jobs growth

Computer Science
Cyber Security
Data Science
Information Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Software Engineering
Statistics

Computer Science

Computer scientists work on challenging, complex problems, developing the foundation of new software technologies, both theoretical and practical. Our students develop their problem-solving skills as well as develop strategies and new technologies across a variety of areas in the field. Computer science is fundamental to emerging trends in computing such as machine learning, autonomous systems, cyber security and virtual reality, among others. Courses include artificial intelligence, robotics, digital forensics, bioinformatics, web development and data security.

Career examples

Games developer
Security architect
Computer software program manager
Business intelligence director
Application development manager
Cyber security advisor
Information security analyst
Process automation specialist
Digital transformation specialist
Artificial intelligence and machine learning specialist

Degrees

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Abigail's Story - Employability Excellence Awards

Congratulations to Abigail for receiving the Student Employability Achievement Award in the 2022 Employability Excellence Awards. Hear first-hand about Abigail's experience that led to this achievement.

Cyber Security

As individuals and organisations increasingly rely on networked applications in our day-to-day lives, protecting our information and allowing us to safely conduct our business is critical. Our Cyber Security programs are tailored for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those without an IT foundation, aiming to delve into the realm of cyber security. Formulated through Academic and Industry collaboration our programs also prepare students for Formal Industry certifications to complement their University studies.

Being multi-disciplinary programs courses include data security, system and network security; security attacks - analysis and mitigation strategies; applications of human factors; law; psychology; and Criminology. Cyber security courses are also embedded in our undergraduate degree programs, Including the Bachelor of Computer Science – Cyber Security major.

Career examples

Cyber security supervisor or trainer
Security system manager
Security consultant
Cryptographer
IT security engineer

Degrees

Data Science

The study of data science incorporates mathematical and statistical knowledge and skills with programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning and related computing skills to extract meaningful insights from data. Students learn how to use a number of tools and frameworks to analyse patterns in data, and then communicate their findings.

As organisations continue to realise the importance of understanding data to help solve business problems and optimise operations, the need for data scientists will continue to increase.

Career examples

Data analyst or data scientist
Programmer
Statistician
Web developer or manager
Artificial intelligence and machine learning specialist
Big data specialist
Digital transformation specialist

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Information Technology

Information technologists develop, build and maintain software technology systems to meet the challenges faced by business and society. Our IT students develop the skills to build software using databases and sophisticated web interfaces suitable for a range of applications.

Courses include programming, web technologies, database and information management, human-computer interaction, systems analysis and design, business analysis, and project management.

Career examples

Enterprise architect
Infrastructure business analyst
Systems analyst
IT project manager
Desktop systems specialist
IT and communications advisor
Software developer
Software application support specialist
Mobile app designer
Technical software consultant
Software development project manager
E-learning developer
Finance software analyst

Degrees

Mathematics

Mathematics is the science and study of number, quantity and space, either as abstract concepts as pure mathematics, or applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering. Students learn how mathematics underpins most technological advances that we rely on every day.

Career examples

Data Scientist
Logistics Officer
Mathematical Modeller
Investment Banker

Degrees

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Abigail's Story - Employability Excellence Awards

Physics

Physics is one of the oldest natural sciences, dedicated to the study of how the universe works. Majors in this branch are concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Students learn how physics explains the fundamental mechanisms of the other sciences, underpins the technologies that are the focus of engineering, and opens up new areas of research.

Career examples

Nanotechnologist
Astrophysicist
Space scientist
Optical physicist

Degrees

Software Engineering

Software engineers develop software that can be applied in a huge variety of sectors. They start by analysing a client’s needs, then they design and develop software architecture solutions that they implement, test and monitor.

Courses include database management systems; enterprise software architectures; formal languages and automata; programming languages and paradigms; software architecture and quality management; and software development.

Career examples

Software engineer
Internet and web engineer
Telecommunications engineer
Software development manager
Control systems engineer
Applications software developer

Degrees

Statistics

The study of statistics involves learning how to describe, summarise and model the world around us using data. Statisticians draw reliable conclusions from data that leads to better informed decision making in all walks of life. Our students study statistical methodology and learn how historical data generated by real-world systems can forecast the future of these systems in industries such as economics and finance, science, engineering, and quantitative social sciences.

The major in statistics within the Bachelor of Mathematics and Bachelor of Science degrees is accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia.

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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

Information and Physical Sciences

Study information and physical sciences

Computer Science

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Degrees

Abigail's Story - Employability Excellence Awards

Cyber Security

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Data Science

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Information Technology

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Degrees

Mathematics

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Degrees

Abigail's Story - Employability Excellence Awards

Physics

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Degrees

Software Engineering

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Statistics

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School contacts

Acting Head of School, Associate Professor Karen Blackmore

School Executive Officer

General enquiries

College of Engineering, Science and Environment